“HOPEFULLY this is a real turning point for us.”
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After a mediocre start to the 2014 women’s Premier League Hockey season, Kinross-CYMS coach Pete Shea said he wants his team’s 6-nil over Confederates two weekends ago to be a catalyst for change.
Shea said if his team, currently sitting ninth and 10 points outside the top five, is to be a genuine finals contender it needs to use last round’s dominant display as a foundation for the remainder of the season.
“We need to start winning if we have any real hopes of playing finals hockey,” Shea said.
“We’re improving, and need to really start pushing the top sides. [Today] is a very good chance to test ourselves against the best.”
Kinross-CYMS host Lithgow Panthers at Orange Hockey Centreon Saturday from 1.10pm, with the undefeated competition leaders fresh off a Hockey NSW Open Women Field State Championship semi-final appearance last weekend.
“Lithgow are a classy side,” Shea said.
“They’ll be pretty confident I imagine after a good state championship campaign, so we need to be switched on. They don’t give you the time or space other teams have afforded us, you don’t have that time to think, so making decisions quickly is important.
“They’re very quick, and strong in attack. Our defence needs to stay collectively strong, and put pressure on them to minimise their opportunities. If we can do that, hopefully our attacking players can do what they do well, strike hard and take advantage of our own opportunities.”
Sixth placed Orange Ex-Services also travel to Lithgow to take on Zig-Zag, and will look to keep in touch with the top five after a 2-1 loss to Bathurst Souths two weeks ago.